The Magic of Spain

Arrive in Barcelona. On arrival at Barcelona Airport, after completing Immigration and Customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to your Hotel. Overnight in Barcelona. Barcelona’s quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won’t soon forget. There are plenty of options to keep you busy. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the old Gothic Quarter and navigate your way through the throngs of tourists along La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous tree-lined boulevard. Perhaps pay a visit to the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia or the Museum of City History to brush up on your local knowledge. Take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of Barcelona and the harbour. The heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre and so this evening perhaps head out to taste the reputation for you. Take a tapas crawl through rustic Catalan dishes in the funky neighbourhood of El Born.

In the morning we head to the stalls of Santa Catarina Market, a huge trove of local produce beneath a colourful, undulating roof, and hang out with the locals as they select the best produce that they’ll transform in to big weekend family meals. The city is famous for its architecture, from its impressive gothic main cathedral to the houses, concert halls, palaces and basilicas designed in the unique Catalan Modernista style. The master of this movement was Antonio Gaudi, whose eccentric creations are dotted all over the city. A visit to Gaudi’s masterpiece, the modern cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, is a must, Gaudi worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. For more insight into the artist himself, we head to the Gaudi House Museum inside Parc Guell, home to more colourful sculptures, including a long mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city, before taking in Gaudi Park. The remainder of the late afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Today take the train to Madrid (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch in Madrid, Spain’s central capital, known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armoury, displaying historic weaponry. As this stylish, cosmopolitan city is also well known for world-class restaurants, shopping and night life, enjoy your free afternoon, perhaps visiting some of these wonders. Sports fans, if you’re lucky enough for your trip to fall on match day, you can don a white t-shirt and head to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to watch the mighty Real Madrid. You have two days in Madrid to soak it all in. At night, head out to Chueca, Plaza Dos de Mayo or Plaza Santa Ana, where the pulse of the city will lead you from bar to bar on a night out you are sure to remember. Overnight in Madrid .

Today we spend most of the day discovering Madrid. We start with walk along the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, for an expansive history of Western art. We discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia’s 20th century collection. before heading to the San Miguel Market to view fabulous local delicacies , perhaps dine here for a casual lunch and superb coffee. We then take a casual stroll exploring the narrow streets of Las Letras quarter ( Literary Quarter) The neighbourhood is formed by narrow streets which are either pedestrianized or with restricted access to traffic, and pleasant squares such as the Plaza de Santa Ana. This is an area where it is easy to find houses in which towering literary figures of the Spanish Golden Age such as Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Góngora and Cervantes lived and wrote. This is why on the cobbles of many of the streets you’ll find inscriptions and brief texts from the works of some of these writers. Another of the charms of the Las Letras quarter is its abundant offer of shops and businesses, which include everything from the most traditional establishments with centuries of history (such as cobblers, silversmiths and lute-makers) to modern avant-garde venues. You’ll also find numerous restaurant and pavement cafes where you can enjoy the gastronomy of Madrid and the popular Spanish custom of ‘going out for tapas’. A drive by Madrid’s famous monuments and soccer stadium completes our day of sightseeing before we enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 5 : Madrid – Granada (B) This morning you will be transferred to Granada- a 4 hour leisurely drive by coach. Overnight in Granada. Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin, a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses, or the ‘Alcaiceria’ (old silk market area) and observe the craftworks on sale that include ceramics, marquetry and leather goods. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. If you have time, perhaps check out the historic Renaissance Catedral and Capilla Real, or get geeky at the city’s extensive Science Park. Granada is the kind of city to leave your guidebook behind and trust your intuition. Discovering the narrow streets of Albaicin and the white-walled house garden of Realejo quarter may lead your adventurous spirit to find something that you have long been looking for. In the evening, perhaps head to one of the small flamenco taverns around the city and see how the art form here differs from Seville’s version or. Optional excursion: look to catch a local flamenco show with dinner uniquely performed in an intimate cave setting .

This morning, we will visit to Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, sumptuous palace decor, multitude of architectural styles and magnificent gardens. An entrance ticket is included in the trip and grants you the visit of Nasrid Palace and the Gardens. Audio guides in multiple languages are available on the day for EUR 4. The Alhambra was first built by the Moors as a fortress during the Muslim rule of Spain. A walk through the compound’s luxurious rooms and gardens gives you an idea of the decadent lifestyle of the Moorish kings. The Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. Afternoon is at leisure

This morning, proceed to Seville to discover this amazing city. Upon arrival, checking out the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Climb the cathedral’s adjoining Moorish tower, known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it’s well worth it for the views over the city. Visit the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages. Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. If you feel like an injection of culture, explore Seville’s Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum, or head to the Real Maestranza Bullring for insight into the Spanish tradition of bull fighting. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some of the tasty treats on offer in one of the city’s many tapas bars. Overnight in Seville.

Today at an appointed time, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Seville Airport for your flight.